Introducing Coastal Acoustic Music

This week I was blessed with the amazing opportunity to interview Amelia River Cruises’ Adult Twilight BYOB Cruise Musician Eric Alabiso of Coastal Acoustic Music. This Eric is the epidemy of an Amelia River Cruises musician. Talented, worldly, and, above all, kind. Amelia River Cruises knows how to pick them!

The Man Behind the Guitar

A folkie at heart, Eric has always played for the love of the art.  “I’ve also been a professional musician performing on Florida’s First Coast most of my life. From cruise ships, bistros, and Tiki bars, to house concerts and benefits; I perform an eclectic variety of music from Bob Marley to Bob Seger to Blake Shelton including instrumental guitar, folk, reggae, country, rock n pop with my own signature spin! I’ve also had the blessing of playing a few summers in South America and genuinely enjoy sharing a family friendly, positive musical experience with folks.”

Eric’s Inspiration

Eric was originally inspired to play by his cousin, Corrine.  Corrine would play in coffee houses and even had the opportunity to play with Joni Mitchell.  (Fast fact: the guitar strap that Joni Mitchell uses was actually made by Eric’s cousin Corrine)

Besides being a wonderful player, Corrine was a beautiful person who would always make a point to take Eric aside and allow him to play her guitar. At this point in his life Eric was in middle school. His parents didn’t have much money so he didn’t have access to good instruments. His brother had a beat up guitar, chord charts, and a beetles book that Eric would borrow to help him learn.

Eric’s main source of musical inspiration came from John Denver. Growing up he would listen to John Denver’s music with his parents and one day they were able to take him to a concert. Eric was hooked.

Come high school Eric mowed lawns all summer and saved up to buy his first real guitar. That guitar saw him through the next few decades. Honing his craft, his mission trips to South America, and recording his first Christian rock album.

Current Performances

At this point in Eric’s career he performs at most of the fine venues in Amelia/Fernandina Beach with upcoming shows at the Ocean Club Of Amelia, The Sandbar, Salty Pelican, The Green Turtle, and The Palace Saloon. Then he will go south to play at The Sandollar, a couple of the Hurricane Grills, Whitey’s in Flemming Island, Tommy Bahama, Brickstone, Dick’s Wings, Beaches At Vilano and a few others. Eric also performs at two wonderful assisted living facilities; Dayspring Villiage and Dayspring Senior Living, as well as charitable events such as Bands Against Breast Cancer.

Beside Amelia River Cruises be sure to check out Eric’s upcoming event “FOAR FROM HOME”. As a veteran of the US Marine Corps, raising awareness of Veteran Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the high rate of Veteran Suicide in the United States is very important to him. Be sure to check out more information on this event here and here.

Words of Wisdom

I always like to ask musicians advise for up and comers. Eric’s response was so heartfelt and honest. I think its advise we all could use no matter our professional aspirations. So here is his answer, word for word, because it doesn’t get better:

“As far as advice for other musicians, just know that it can be a beautiful life, yet still a hard one too as it can consume you and your relationships. Play for the love of the art, play for your fans and always be humble bringing a positive experience. Let the music be your high, not the other stereotypical things associated with musicians. Professionalism is key to making a good living. Practice, be you and be good at what you do. Bring something unique while being mindful of your venue’s staff and patrons because it’s not all about you, it’s about the collective experience. Be on time, don’t play too loud and engage your audience. Also, you have to deal with booking agents and venue managers that, while I know most I deal with are very kind and professional, some are not. So you have to maintain a higher standard of communication and state of grace even when they don’t. It’s a hustle, it can be a grind but always remember that music is a universal language. You never know when you might touch a heart in the audience that may have needed to hear that song in that moment. Love has a serendipitous way of doing that!”

Beautiful.

Thank You and Acknowledgements

Finally, Eric would like to acknowledge, “first the Giver of all gifts, my God Jesus. Thank you for wonderful parents who loved music. I thank my mom and dad for taking me to see John Denver as a young boy because that lit the flame for me. I thank my late cousin Corrine who was a beautiful musician who performed in the Miami area where I lived before coming to North Florida. She was a mentor and inspiration. I’m grateful for such loving support from family and the many friends and fans who continually come out to the shows and make it a joyful experience; you all are truly a blessing!”

Learn More

To learn more about Coastal Acoustic Music, see Eric’s schedule, request a booking, to sign up for a lesson with the man himself, or to just say hi, check out his Facebook Music Page.

After you have attended Amelia River Cruises Adult BOYB Cruise and he officially has you hooked, head over to Coastal Acoustic Music’s YouTube and SoundCloud pages where you can enjoy his music whenever you please!

Be sure to check out Amelia River Cruises Adult Twilight BYOB Cruise Musician Schedule to see when Eric and our many other talented musicians will be performing. These Cruises fill up quick – So, book yours today!!

…. Encore Amelia Q&A:

• When did you first come to Amelia Island?
• • I came to this area when I started performing in the 80’s and 90’s at, what was then called, Sandy Bottoms

• Why did you decide to stay in the area?
  •  I love Amelia Island! Growing up in South, then North Florida I’ve always appreciated the beauty of our islands and waterways. It became a way of life and music seemed to flow right along with it.

• Have you been to Cumberland Island? If so, what is your favorite part?
  • I always look forward to the Amelia River Cruises.
  • I have been to Cumberland Island many times even as a boy when my dad took me. Most of all, I love the wild horses because that is a rare glimpse into the wildlife of the old South. However, growing up around the sea gave me a huge love of dolphins; my favorite animal. I’ve swam with them in the wild and in Jamaica too. I see them in the river and still get excited by their graceful fun life in our waters here. Seeing dolphins on cruises is still a treat for me. I love watching how fascinated the visiting folks who have never seen dolphins, wild horses, turtles, and manatees are.

• Why do you choose to perform on Amelia River Cruises’ Adult Twilight BYOB Cruises?
  • I have come to know some of the crew. I truly enjoy teaming up with them to help give the passengers a joyful and exciting experience!

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